Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: Carolyn on 26/03/2009 20:53:17

Title: Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm?
Post by: Carolyn on 26/03/2009 20:53:17
Nic and I are having a disagreement on this.  I say it's dangerous to take a shower during a thunderstorm, Nic says I'm being silly and that you can't get struck by lightening while showering. 

Can someone tell me whose right & why? 

Please & thank you. [:X]
Title: Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm?
Post by: paul.fr on 26/03/2009 23:32:30
I don't think it's a good idea. Your plumbing / pipes could act as a conduits for the electrical currents produced by the lightning.
Title: Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm?
Post by: Ethos on 27/03/2009 00:02:22
Nic and I are having a disagreement on this.  I say it's dangerous to take a shower during a thunderstorm,
Absolutely! It's a good idea to stay away from all conductors of electricity. This would include water lines, metal railing, and especially tall structures such as trees and light poles. It's also a good idea if you are really consious of the danger to remain in the lower floors of the house. If lighting were to strike your house, it will almost always strike the highest point first..........Ethos
Title: Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm?
Post by: Karen W. on 27/03/2009 06:36:58
WOW really.. I would have thought with things being so grounded inside a home that it would be alright.. I always shower in storms its nice and relaxing nice hot shower and the sound of thunder and lightening to lull me to sleep snuggled under my blankets... I never thought of it being dangerous?
Title: Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm?
Post by: Madidus_Scientia on 27/03/2009 09:22:48
We can't all be hypochondraics. I reckon you'd be alright, i'd do it.
Title: Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 27/03/2009 09:24:56
I don't even realise I'm doing it.
Better stick with the bathtub next time aye? [:)]
Title: Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm?
Post by: blakestyger on 27/03/2009 13:54:43
Is there anything that you can be doing so that you can safely say you won't get struck by lightning?
Title: Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm?
Post by: LeeE on 27/03/2009 14:47:16
Is there anything that you can be doing so that you can safely say you won't get struck by lightning?

Sitting in a Faraday cage.
Title: Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm?
Post by: lyner on 27/03/2009 14:54:53
It's not safe to take a shower in the Bate's Motel during a thunderstorm.
Title: Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm?
Post by: Karen W. on 27/03/2009 18:29:02
LOL...LOL......I second that!!!
Title: Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm?
Post by: swansont on 27/03/2009 18:31:30
You need to define "dangerous."  The risk is small, but not zero.  However, from what I've read you are more likely to be injured using a corded phone or other appliance.
http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/indoors.htm


"10 to 20 people in the United States are shocked annually while bathing, using faucets or handling appliances during storms."
http://www.seattlepi.com/health/281449_hrail17.html


"In 2008, 27 Fatalities: All were outside"
"302 Injuries: There were 176 adults, 62 teens and 15 children injured, 201 males and 60 females. 184 were outside and 13 were inside."  (which doesn't add to 302)
http://www.struckbylightning.org/
Title: Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm?
Post by: Don_1 on 30/03/2009 19:02:24
I should think it's OK so long as you realise you run the risk of getting wet!
Title: Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm?
Post by: ukmicky on 10/04/2009 16:57:31
As long as you were not standing naked on the roof of your house,using the rain as your water source you would probably be ok.

Internal houses hold water supply pipes are earthed so there should be no problem their.  The only scenario i can think of that could maybe give you a  problems would be a direct strike into a broken outflow pipe from your house with a constant stream of water leading to the drain in your shower.